Best time to visit · Cannes · France
The best time to visit Cannes
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: И. Максим Массалитин, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Cannes are June and September, when the sea is warm, days are long and prices sit below the July–August peak. May is beautiful but dominated by the film festival, which makes hotels very expensive. April and October suit sightseeing and island walks, while winter is quiet and mild, with many beach clubs closed.
Key facts
- Best months
- June and September
- Shoulder season
- April–May, July–August and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 13°C (55°F))
- Rainiest month
- November (~7 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January and November
Seasons
Cannes has a Mediterranean climate: mild, sunny winters with occasional rain, and hot, dry summers when the sea warms to about 24°C. Most rain falls in short heavy bursts in autumn.
March–May
Spring
Mild and sunny, ideal for walking Le Suquet and the islands; the sea stays cool until late May, and the film festival and trade fairs push up prices.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry beach weather with warm sea, fireworks over the bay and evening life on the Croisette, but crowded beaches and peak prices.
September–November
Autumn
Warm sea and fewer visitors in September, mild October days between storms, and a quiet, rainy November.
December–February
Winter
Cool but often sunny, with mimosa on the hills in February; low hotel prices, but many beach clubs and some restaurants close.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C | 5°C | 6 | 13°C | 9.3 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 13°C | 5°C | 5 | 13°C | 10.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 15°C | 7°C | 5 | 13°C | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 17°C | 10°C | 6 | 14°C | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 13°C | 5 | 17°C | 14.7 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| June | 25°C | 17°C | 3 | 21°C | 15.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 28°C | 20°C | 1 | 23°C | 15.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 28°C | 20°C | 2 | 24°C | 14 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 25°C | 17°C | 4 | 22°C | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 21°C | 13°C | 6 | 19°C | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 16°C | 9°C | 7 | 16°C | 9.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| December | 13°C | 6°C | 6 | 14°C | 9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Winter sales in the shops (usually from early January) |
| February | Festival International des Jeux — board and video games fair at the Palais (usually February); Mimosa festival in neighbouring Mandelieu-la-Napoule (usually February) |
| March | MIPIM — international property fair at the Palais (usually March) |
| April | MIPTV — television content market (usually April) |
| May | Cannes Film Festival (usually mid to late May) |
| June | Cannes Lions — international creativity festival (usually mid-June); Fête de la Musique — free street concerts (21 June) |
| July | Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique — fireworks competition over the bay (usually several evenings in July and August); Bastille Day fireworks (14 July) |
| August | Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique continues (usually into August) |
| September | Cannes Yachting Festival — boat show in the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto (usually September) |
| October | MIPCOM — television and entertainment market (usually October) |
| December | Christmas village and lights in the centre (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January and November, and the sights are quietest in January and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Cannes?
The best times to visit Cannes are June and September, when the sea is warm, days are long and prices sit below the July–August peak. May is beautiful but dominated by the film festival, which makes hotels very expensive. April and October suit sightseeing and island walks, while winter is quiet and mild, with many beach clubs closed.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Cannes?
Usually in January and November. Cool but often sunny, with clear views to the Esterel; the beaches are empty and many beach clubs are closed for the winter.
+What is the rainiest month in Cannes?
November, with about 7 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Cannes get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F).